Johnson Tops Shootout Practice
ByJimmie Johnson capped the top of the speed charts during today's two Budweiser Shootout practice sessions at Daytona International Speedway. His speed of 192.620 mph was just a tick faster than A.J. Allmendinger, who clocked a 192.542 mph. Defending race champion Dale Earnhardt Jr. was third-fastest at 192.304 mph. Kyle Busch topped the afternoon practice session with a speed of 191.453 mph.
Pole sitter Paul Menard ran into trouble minutes before the end of the second practice session, cutting a right rear tire and spinning out in turn 2. Also involved was Scott Speed. Both cars suffered minor damage and are expected to be repaired before tomorrow night's race. Other drivers receiving cosmetic damage in separate incidents include Kasey Kahne, Reed Sorenson, and Kyle Busch.
One driver who will have to start at the rear of the field is Jeff Burton, after blowing a motor in the second practice session.
Top practice speeds:
| 1. | 48 | Jimmie Johnson | 192.620 mph |
| 2. | 44 | A.J. Allmendinger | 192.542 mph |
| 3. | 88 | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | 192.304 mph |
| 4. | 9 | Kasey Kahne | 191.910 mph |
| 5. | 14 | Tony Stewart | 191.799 mph |
| 6. | 11 | Denny Hamlin | 191.551 mph |
| 7. | 18 | Kyle Busch | 191.453 mph |
| 8. | 17 | Matt Kenseth | 191.144 mph |
| 9. | 16 | Greg Biffle | 190.941 mph |
| 10. | 43 | Reed Sorenson | 190.706 mph |
